Furnace-grate



(No Model. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

T. H. MULLER. FURNACE GRATE.

No. 512,735. Patented Jan. 16, 1894.

Witnesses Inventor.

. I x M Attorney.

7 (N6 M0de1,) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

'T. H.- MULLER.

I FURNACE GR-ATEL No. 512,735. Patented an. 16, 1894.

, ipi fi yi I WWII/III Witnesses Attorney.

I UNIT D STAT S PATENT OFFICE.

TEILE H. MULLER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

FU RNACE-G RATE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 512,735, dated January16, 1894.

Application filed August 1, 1 893- To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, TEILE HENRY M iiLLER, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residingin'the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State ofPennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement inFurnace-Grates, of which the following is'a true and exact description,reference being had to the 'accom-Y panying drawings, which form a part,of this specification.

My invention relates to furnace grates and has for its object theproduction of a grate which will be of such a construction that, amongother advantages resulting therefrom, low grade fuels can beeconomically burned thereon, thatsmoke will be avoided,that the fuel andashes can be automatically handled, that fuels which only burn frombelow and also such as will burn from above can be used, and that forceddraft can be employed without the necessity of a closed ash pit.

To carry out these objects and also to improve the construction ofdevices of this class my invention consists mainly in the arrangement ofan inclined series of shelves to support the fuel; that is, aseries ofshelves Where each shelf is arranged below, and extends farther forwardthan the shelf next above it, some or all of the shelves beingpreferablyhollow and having perforations therein to serve as air ducts so thatthey will serve as a support for the fuel and will at the same timeserve as a conduit of air to the fire.

My invention further consists in the arrangement of plungers betweensome or all of the shelveswhereby the fuel can be automatically stoked,and further in various improvements which will be more specificallypointed out in the claims appended to and forming part of thisspecification.

My invention is best described in connection with the drawings, in whichit is illustrated and in which- Figure 1 is a vertical section of afurnace grate on a line corresponding to the line .ra; of Fig. 4 showingone form of my improved grate; a portion of the boiler being shown abovethe grate in elevation. Fig. 2 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 1showing a modified form of driving mechanism for the plungers arrangedbetween the shelves. Fig. 3 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 1

$eria1No. 482,060. (No model.)

illustrating a modified arrangement. Fig. 4 is partly a plan view of thegrate shown in Fig. 3,'a part being shown in section on the line y-y'ofFig. 3.

form of plunger. Fig. 6 is a similar View to Fig. 5. showing a modifiedmode of operating the plungers. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail view of aportion of the deviceshown in Fig.

1. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a shelf removed from the furnace and havinga corrugated front, and Fig. 9 is a further modified form of shelf.

A is a furnace provided with suitable side walls 'A' B a boiler,extending between these walls.

A is an inclined series of hollow shelves a, that is to say, each shelfextends farther forward than the shelf next above it; these shelves arepreferably provided on,the furnace side with openings or perforations awhich may obviouslybe of any desired form or size, and which are'adaptedto serve as air ducts, air being forced into the hollow shelves at anysuitable point from a blower or other air forcing apparatus.

In construction it has vbeen found convenient to introduce the air intothe hollow shelves at their ends, either one or both ends serving Fig. 5is a sectional view on the line z-z of Fig. 2 showing a modified.

as inlets and any suitable conduit is adapted to conduct airthereto.Where the boilers are built singly the ends of the shelves may extendthrough the furnace Walls as indicated in Fig. 8 and the air conduit maybe connected to the various shelves outside the walls: preferably at oneend of the shelf, the other end being covered by a handhole and servingto clean out the interior of the shelf when necessary. When a battery ofboilers are built a very convenient arrangement is to 1 3 build aconduit E for airin the partition walls of the furnaces and provideopenings as d from the conduit .to the several shelves as in- I dicated.

. To preheat the air I prefer to arrange part of the air conduit D inthe lower part of the furnace Where the air therein is heated from thehot ashes, any suitable opening d admitting the heatedair to the conduitor conduits E; small air outlets d may be provided in the conduit'D asshown if desired.

It is obvious that the shelves may be of any shape that may be foundadvantageous, they. may be very advantageously made however withbackwardly inclined faces as shown and, to strengthen the metal andprevent warping, the face may advantageously be made corrugated as shownin Fig. 9, or any other desirable contour may be given to the severalshelves. The shelves are arranged at a suitable distance apart and inthe spaces a between them are situated stoking plungers 0. Theseplungers may be rectangular boxes fitting in the spaces or or may beformed as shown in Figs. 5 or 6. In Fig. 6 the plunger is shown with aseries of small holes 0 and in Fig. 5 the plunger 0 is shown with asimilar series of small holes 0' and provided with a damper 0 having aseries of holes 0 which when put in proper position are adapted toregister with the holes 0', so that a slice bar can be put through theopenings of c of the plunger and damper to stir up the fuel and preventits forming clinkers. Any. suitable means can be arranged to reciprocatethese plungers; it is obvious howeverthat it is most convenient,especially, where several boilers are arranged abreast, to operate allthe plungers by means of a common shaftor from a common source of power.

In Fig. 1 S is a shaft having an eccentric s and adapted on rotation toreciprocate abar F by means of two lugs l l secured to the bar. Bellcrank levers f are pivoted to the shelves and secured at one end to therod F. To the other end of the bell crank levers are pivoted links fsecured to the plungers c. The top plunger which is directly under ahopper H, is pivoted to an arm f on the upper bell crank level-and inorder to adjust the throw of this plunger the connection between theplunger and the lever f is made adjustable. A convenient mode of doingthis is shown in Fig. 7 where N is a link pivoted on'tbe lever f n asleeve screwed on to said link and fitting through a hole n. in theplunger 0, a nutlock 'n securing it in position. The sleeve 1?. extendsthrough the hole a and a sleeve 'nut a having a cut out portion 77.which fits over the sleeve n is screwed on the "outer end of the link N,a nutlock n being arranged to given a reciprocatory motion along withthe plungers so that the ashes are constantly and automatically removedfrom the bottom of thegrate, causing a gradual settling of the fuel. a

In Figs. 2, 5 and 6 the plungers are shown actuated by vertical shafts Shaving eccentrics 8' arranged thereon; motion is communicated from theeccentrics on the shaft S to the plungers, either immediately by thelinks f as shown in Fig. 6 or by means of levers 7c pivoted at as shownin Fig. 5 a slot 70 is preferably arranged whereby the throw of theplunger-s may be adjusted by securing the head'of the link f nearerorfarther from the pivotal point of the lever 70; obviously howeversuitable shifting eccentrics may be used to adjust the throw of theplungers. Motion maybe given to shaft S by means ofsuitable bevel gear 8or any other suitable means.

In Fig. 3 another system of links is shown which is oscillated by acrank F pivoted at F On various points of this crank as at f f arepivoted links which serve to actuate the plungers either directly orthrough the medium of the other bell crank levers and links.

In order to adjust the throw of the whole series of plungers theconnection of the power shaft S to the crank F is made adjustable andconsists of a pin as p,removablysecured in a slot in the crank by meansof a hand wheel P, and to further adjust the motionof the two upperplungers a slot F is provided as shown, whereby the range of oscillationof the lever I? may be adjusted by adjusting the end of t 6 link f inthe slotF. The leverp pivoted at 2 has secured thereto pins 10 and thelinks which serve toconnect the plungers to the lever 19' are providedwith handles f and slotted heads f which fit over the pins 19 whereby bylifting up a link by means of its handles f the plunger connectedtherewith may be put out of operation and will not'be put in again untilits link f has its head f dropped over its proper pin 19. Thisconstruction is obviously not limited to any particular plunger but maybe provided wherever found advantageous. The link f pivoted to the crankF at f serves to reciprocate not only the lower setsof plungers but alsoby means of a link f and a bell crank lever g to reciprocate the gratebars G and slowly remove the ashes. The grate G whose grate bars forkinto the grate bars G is adapted to be turned over or shaken by means ofthe rod g. The modes of actuating the plungers can be multipliedindefinitely, and I do not wish to be considered as limiting myself toany particular mode of so doing.

H is a hopper which may conveniently be arranged above the grate and Ipreferably provide it with a gate h having a handle 71/ whereby burningback may be prevented.

In the device shown in Fig. 3 I not only provide for pushing the fuelover the front of the transverse shelves, but also provide a passage 7L3formed between the shelves aand walls a. The plungers reciprocate acrossthis passage 72. between the shelves at and walls a and push the fuelforward through the passages a I do not find it advantageous to extendthis passage it down to the bottom of the inclined grate since bythetime the fuel is near to the bottom of the grate it has become verynearly completely ignited "and'I arrange it in front oftheshelves'wh'ere it may:

the ashes pushed from that grate on its recip-. rocation, a flange 9being preferably arranged.

as shown on the lower part of the hot air conduit to prevent the ashesbeing pushed back 7 In Fig.' 2 a car K rolling on suitable tracksacx-Vis towardthe back part of theash pit.

shown situated underneath the'grate G which is adapted to bereciprocated by means combustion of fuel, a furnace grate consistof thelink F and can be used undera whole battery of boilers. When abattery'ofboilers is used the air can be conveniently pumped through a passage atD from whence it is led, by ducts (1' into the several conduits-D.

under theindividual boilers B. It is obvions of course that air may beintroduced in any other way if desired.

The action of the grate iseasily understood. Fuelis poured into thehopperH, the gate h opened, and the automatic plungers set operating.The fuel .in thelhopper falling down through the opening 71 is pushedforward by the plungers over theinclined series of shelves and in beingpushed by the plungers the fuel is continually turned over andthoroughly ig-,

nited so that when it is finally pushed to the lower shelves combustionis complete. 7

In the grate shown in Fig. 3, which is especially adapted for use withfuels which smoke badly, the fresh or green fuel is pushed underneaththe heated mass of fuel and the I gases arising therefrom are compelledto pass through this heated mass, which results in the completecombustion of the gases and in.

the prevention of smoke.

While I have shown what I deem the best modes of arranging my grate andthe best sys-- tems of driving mechanisms therefor, it is evident thatmany modifications both'in arrangement andedetails' can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention.

I believe I am the first to combine with an inclined grate having meansforfeeding fuel to its upper end, a constantly acting device such asgrates G G G as shown in. Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively for drawing theash away from the base of the. grate with regulated speed and sofacilitate the gradual settling of thefuel down the incline andtherefore I do'.

not limit'myself as .to this feature of my apparatus-to the shelf formof grate.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new,-and desire tosecure by Let.-

ing'of a series of hollow shelves extending across the furnace andconstitutingair conduits as well as grate bars, said shelves bein garranged so that each one of the series will lie below and extendfarther. forward than;

the one above it and having air passages lead- In Fig. 1' a pan G2standing under ing from its central cavity through its face intothefurnace.

2; In a'furnace for generating heat by the combustion'of fuel, a'furnace.grate consistacross the furnace and constituting air con-v arranged sothat each one of the series will lie below andextend farther forwardthan the one above it, and having air passages face into the furnace incombination with an automatic feed hopperat the topof the grate.

3. In" a furnace for generating heatby the jing of a series of hollowshelves extending 'duits as well'asgratebars, saidshelves being leadingfrom its central cavity through its ing of a series of shelves,.eachshelf being arranged below and extending farther forward than theshelfabove it, a stoking plun ger or. plungers arranged to operate in thespace between the over lapping shelves but,

notconstituting an essential part of the fuel supporting grate andmeansfor introducing air beneath the mass of fuel resting on the 'IOCgrate bars to maintain the combustion ofsaid fuel. 5. In a,furnaceforgeneratingheat by the combustion of fuel, a furnace grate consisting ofa series of hollow shelves extending across the furnace and constitutingair con- ,duits as well as grate bars, said shelves being arranged sothat each one of the series will lie below andextendfarther forward thanthe one above it and having air passages leadingfrorn its central cavitythrough its face into the furnace, and stoking plungers arranged in thespaces between the shelves. 6. In a furnace for generating heat by thecombustion of fuel, a furnace grate consisting of a series ofhollow'shelves extending across the furnace and constituting airconduits as well as grate bars, said shelves being arranged so. thateach one of the series will lie below and extend farther forward thanthe one above it, outlet passages a leading from the central cavity inthe shelves through its face into the furnace, openings 01 atthe end ofeach shelf for the admission of air into the central cavities of saidshelves and a conduit for. conducting the air to the various shelves. t

7. A grate having a series of-shelves,each. shelf being arranged belowand extending forward of the shelf above it plungers arranged i in thespaces between the shelves, means'for reciprocating the plungers andmeans for aajusting the throw of said plungers.

8. A grate having a series of hollowshelves, each shelf being arrangedbelow and extending forward of the shelf above it and having an inclinedcorrugated front face and provided with air outlets substantially forthe purpose specified.

9. A grate having an inclined series of shelves extending across thefurnace and a passage 71 extending down behind one or more of theshelves substantially as described.

10. A grate having an inclined series of shelves extending across thefurnace, a paswhich fuel is fed to afurnace, of a transverse sage 71extending down behind one or more of the shelves and plungers arrangedto reciprocate in the spaces between the shelves.

11. A grate having an inclined series of hollow shelves a extendingacross the furnace and having outlets for air in the faces of saidshelves, a passage 7L3 extending down behind the perforated shelves aseries of plungers arranged in the spaces between the shelves and meansfor reciprocating the plungers.

12. The combination in a grate of an inclined series of hollow shelvesat extending across the furnace and having perforations a in the shelvesfor the passage of air, a passage 72. extending down from the top andbehind the shelves for a portion of the length of the grate, plungersarranged to reciprocate across the passage h and plungers adapted toreciprocate in the spaces between the shelves below the passage ha.

13. The combination in a grate with a series of shelves as described,having spaces between the shelves, of a plunger or plungers arranged tooperate between the shelves and having slots 0 substantially asspecified and so that a slice bar can be introduced to stir the fire.

14. The combination in a grate with a series of shelves as describedhaving spaces between the shelves, of a plungeror plungers arranged tooperate between the shelves and having slots 0 and a sliding damper cwith corresponding slots 0 substantially as and for the purposespecified.

15. A grate having an inclined series of shelves at extending across thefurnace said shelves being provided with slots or perforations for theescape of air, openings (1 leading into the ends of the shelves, apassage or passages E leading to the shelves and serving to convey airthereto and a passage asD so arranged as to be heated by the hot ashesand the products of combustion all substantially as specified and sothat hot air may be fed into the furnace.

16. The combination in a grate with an inclined series of shelvesextending across the furnace and having spaces between the shelves and aseries of plungers adapted on being reciprocated to stir the fuel andpush it down the series of shelves,,of a grate at the bottom of theseries of shelves and means for reciprocating or rocking said grate.

17. The combination in a grate with an inclined series of shelves asdescribed, having spaces between the shelves, of a hopper adapted todeliver fuel to the series of shelves and a series of plungers operatingbetween the shelves adapted to stir the fuel and push it down theinclined shelves.

18. The combination in a grate of a hopper, a gate independent of thestoking mechanism arranged to cut off the interior of the furnace fromthe fuel in the hopper whereby the burning back of the fire is preventedand an inclined series of horizontal shelves forming the grate surface.

19. The combination with a hopper from shelf extending below the mouthof the hopper a grate situated below said shelf, a stoking plungeroperating to push forward and stir the fuel fed from the hopper and agate separate from said plunger to prevent burning back substantially asand for the purpose spaces between the shelves, means for introducingair beneath the mass of fuel on the grate means for reciprocating saidplungers and links adapted to secure the plungers to the means forreciprocating them, said links being so arranged as to be disconnectedat will whereby any particular plunger may be put out of action ifdesired.

21. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, thecombination with a furnace grate consisting of an inclined system ofshelves as described, having spaces between the shelves, plungersarranged in the spaces between the shelves, a suitable motor, linkssecured to the plungers and having notches adapted to engage with thepins on the motor, all as specified and so that any plunger can bedisconnected at will from its actuating motor.

22. In afurnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, thecombination with an inclined grate, of means for feeding fuel at the topof said grate, means for introducing air beneath the mass of fuel 011the grate to maintain combustion and automatic means for constantlywithdrawing ashes from the bottom of the grate.

23. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel thecombination with a furnace grate consisting of a series of shelvesextending across the furnace, each shelf being arranged below andextending farther forward than the shelf above it, of means forintroducing air beneath the fuel on the grate to maintain combustion, astoking plunger or plungers arranged to operate in the spaces betweenthe shelves and automatic means for constantly withdrawing ash from thebottom of the grate.

24. In a furnace for generating heat by the combustion of fuel, thecombination with a grate consisting of a series of shelves extendingacross the furnaces, each shelf being ar: automatic means for constantlywithdrawing ranged below and extending farther forward ash from thebottom of the grate.

than the shelf above it of means for feedin fuel at the top of said grate a stoking plunge?- TEILE MULLER 5 or plungers arranged to operateinthe spaces Witnesses:

between the shelves means for introducing I ALF H. FABER,

air beneath the mass of fuel on the grate and EDW. F. AYREs.

